1896 Hotchkiss, Sewer Bids

Santa Monica Los Angeles Times Jan. 8, 1896, p. 11

Bids for a Sewer Received by City Trustees,

     Santa Monica, Jan. 7. --(Regular Correspondence) As had been anticipated, intense interest was manifested in the meeting of the Board of Trustees held Monday evening. The Town Hall was filled to the doors, which is not usual at board sessions. All of the trustees except Lewis were present. Fourteen envelopes supposed to contain bids for the sewer system were opened. Twelve of them contained bids. The proposal in another was not accompanied by a certified check. One envelope when broken open contained only a blank piece of paper. One or more of the contractors submitting bids ware present with their attorneys. When it came time for Clerk Dales to break the seals the bids read were as follows: W.J. Schmidt, prices detailed (This bid is computed to $15,868.60 for the work complete;) Lang & Middlekauf, Santa Monica, work complete, $21, 165; H.C. Register, Los Angeles, $19,696 for the work complete;) A.E. Jackson, Santa Monica, $26,455; Ramish & Marsh, $20,000; French and Reed, Los Angeles, prices in detail on the pipe, which Mr. Reed says, aggregate $14,865 for the work complete; Frick Bros., Los Angeles, $22,000; C.L. Powell, Los Angeles, 81.9 cents per lineal foot; P.H. Darcy, Los Angeles, $16,500 for work complete, or 88 cents per lineal foot; Frank Moir, Los Angeles, $1.15 per lineal foot and will guarantee right-of-way; M. Garvin (no certified check); J.H. Dockweiler, Los Angeles, $19,500; B.R. Smith & Co., $22,700. The proposals were referred to the City Engineer for computation; they [will] be taken up by the board at an adjourned meeting to be held next Wednesday evening. 

     A.B. Hotchkiss, a Los Angeles attorney, representing the bidder, Mr. Moir, was permitted to urge the advantage of accepting his client's proposal  which included furnishing right-of-way. C.L. Powell, in his own behalf, asked that the other bidders be permitted to "make a dicker of that kind." It was argued that the understanding had been that proposals were to be for building a sewer; not for right-of-way.

     Demands  amounting to $883.25 were allowed. On recommendation of a committee, an electric light was ordered placed at Lucas avenue and Front street. The Committee on Streets reported  recommending that, in accordance with petition, a franchise for a gas plant be advertised for sale. This was adopted, Mr. Vawter alone voting against it. 

     The Committee on Judiciary and Ordinances reported against the proposition to change the name of Railroad avenue to Beach avenue. Adopted. A petition for the transfer of saloon license at Third street and Utah avenue from Mr. Schmidt to William Stierm was granted. A petition of Jesse Yoakum for a wholesale and retail liquor license at No. 297 Utah avenue was granted. 

     Ordinances were adopted as follows: Prohibiting coasting on the sidewalks. Ordering the grading of South Second street from Strand street southerly to the city limits. Declaring intention to grade Railroad avenue from the ocean to Seventh street; also to construct gutters and curbs on certain portions of that avenue. 

     City Marshal Dexter as ex-officio chief of the fire department called attention to the urgent need of a new bell on the fire engine house to replace the old one, which had become cracked and useless. The Fire and Water Committee was empowered to purchase a suitable bell. 

Reason for Difference

     There is, it appears, a liability of misconception as to the amounts of the bids submitted for the sewer. The engineer's estimate was $33,000. City Engineer James points out that the estimate of $33,000 was for a sewer system exclusive of the part where there is to be a discharge into the ocean. The bids received by the Trustees Monday evening were for only a portion of the sewer system included  in the engineer's estimate. This explains the variance between the price in the estimate and the sums named in the proposals submitted. 

Right of Way

     Since the sewer proposals were received Monday evening there has been a good deal of interest manifested in the matter of right-of-way for the sewer. It happens that the proposed  work is  to run across land owned by the Southern Pacific, and also land owned by the Santa Fe, as well as land owned by private individuals Attention has been attracted to the fact that A.B. Hotchkiss appeared at the meeting when the bids were opened as attorney for Frank Moir, the only bidder whose proposal when opened offered to furnish right-of-way. As Mr. Hotchkiss was for some time been known as attorney for the Southern Pacific, the fact that he should appear for a bidder under such circumstances has caused  considerable comment. The new features  that have developed have created a lively interest as to what the Trustees will do with the bids when they take them up next Wednesday evening.

Holes in the Ground

     C.L. Powell, a Los Angeles man, came near having an unusual experience in this city Sunday. He had been figuring preparatory to submitting a bid for the sewer, and came to this city Sunday to make an examination of the ground in which the sewer the sewer is to run. Week-day implements such a pick and shovel, it is said, found their way to where Mr. Powell was, and somehow one or more holes were dug into the ground. City Engineer James learned of what had been going on, and made arrangements to procure a mock warrant against Mr. Powell. There was a hitch in the plans, and so Mr. Powell did not have to submit to a "kangaroo" court. Whether his liberty was purchased at the price of a few cigars has not been reported.

Sunday Closing.

     The trial of the case of G.W. Hunt, the colored barber, who is charged with keeping his shop open on Sunday, was held this afternoon, Tanner & Taft appearing for the defendant, and George H. Williams, the complaining witness, conducting the prosecution. The trial was before Justice Barackman and a jury. It was testified that the alleged offense occurred at 12:30 p.m. It was contended that the law when it says the shops shall close at 12, m. , means 1 p.m., the same as in certain other instances where an extra hour is allowed. The jury has not yet agree

Brevities.

Mrs. W.A. Davis of Boston, Mass., is at the Arcadia.

M. Gunekel of Chicago is registered at the Arcadia.

Mrs. O. Charles and maid of Detroit, Mich., are staying at the Jackson.

A.E. Edwards of New Bedford, O., is quartered at the Jackson.

About forty friends of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Bassett surprised them at their home on Fourth street Monday evening, the occasion being the twentieth anniversary of their marriage. All had an enjoyable time.


(Back to 1896)

 Kelyn Roberts 2017